“Self-restraint is the key’’

In his second term on the Censor Board, actor and playwright S. Ve. Shekar says clearly that he believes freedom of expression must be a guarantee, at the same time it is essential for artists and directors to exercise some restraint in their creative expression.

“We cannot allow defamation or insults to individuals or targeting groups of people. But it is important to guarantee freedom of expression,” he told The Hindu Monday night, after the announcement was made.

It will have to be a fine balancing act, as he also believes that censors must also factor in ground realities, rather than playing merely by rules.

“If you don’t like what a movie has said, walk out, as the courts have said, or make a movie to express your ideas,” he added. The issue of freedom of expression seems more relevant today than during his first term on the Board in 2003-2004, he agreed. “Even then, there was an issue with censor cuts on an S. J. Suryah film, that was to do with decency, I remember,” he added.

Among the first few things he has said he would do when he takes charge us to press for the proper portrayal of transgenders in films. “They have come a long way from a decade ago. Today there are some inspiring stories among transgenders too, and they have also changed their lifestyle in great measure. Besides, today there is better understanding of their condition too, we cannot remain behind in depicting them the same way as we did years ago,” Mr. Shekar said.